Best Difficult Games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated difficult games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free difficult games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
The Ship: Murder Party
The Ship is a murder mystery multiplayer.
Dangerous Waters
S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters allows you total control over multiple air, surface, and submarine platforms in a modern-day naval environment. Take direct control of individual crew stations and also plan and execute combined arms naval strategies from a top-down 'Commanders Eye' perspective.
Counter-Strike: Source
Counter-Strike: Source blends Counter-Strike's award-winning teamplay action with the advanced technology of Source™ technology.
Day of Defeat
Enlist in an intense brand of Axis vs. Allied teamplay set in the WWII European Theatre of Operations. Players assume the role of light/assault/heavy infantry, sniper or machine-gunner class, each with a unique arsenal of historical weaponry at their disposal. Missions are based on key historical operations.
Mafia
It’s 1930. After an inadvertent brush with the mafia, cabdriver Tommy Angelo is reluctantly thrust into the world of organized crime. Initially, he is uneasy about falling in with the Salieri family, but soon the rewards become too big to ignore.
Deathmatch Classic
Enjoy fast-paced multiplayer gaming with Deathmatch Classic (a.k.a. DMC). Valve's tribute to the work of id software, DMC invites players to grab their rocket launchers and put their reflexes to the test in a collection of futuristic settings.
Gothic 1
War has been waged across the kingdom of Myrtana. Orcish hordes invaded human territory and the king of the land needed a lot of ore to forge enough weapons, should his army stand against this threat. Whoever breaks the law in these darkest of times is sentenced to serve in the giant penal colony of Khorinis, mining the so much needed...
Half-Life
Named Game of the Year by over 50 publications, Valve's debut title blends action and adventure with award-winning technology to create a frighteningly realistic world where players must think to survive. Also includes an exciting multiplayer mode that allows you to play against friends and enemies around the world.
Shadow Warrior Classic (1997)
Strap on your combat sandals...Lo Wang is coming to the Land of the Rising Sun to turn out the lights. Experience total blood immersion. If you can't touch, kill or drive something...then blow it away! Whether you're wielding shurikens, an Uzi, or a freshly plundered Guardian head...you've got your work cut out for you.
Serious Sam Fusion 2017 (beta)
Serious Sam Fusion is a central hub for several existing Serious Sam games developed by Croteam. Cool new features, engine upgrades, patches and updates will be released to existing owners for FREE!Most played difficult games on Steam
Take a look at the top difficult games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 17th 2025.
1. ELDEN RING
THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED FANTASY ACTION RPG. Rise, Tarnished, and be guided by grace to brandish the power of the Elden Ring and become an Elden Lord in the Lands Between. ELDEN RING is a souls-like, open world and dark fantasy game developed by FromSoftware and Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware and Inc.. Released on February 24th 2022 has received 1,051,008 reviews of which 976,181 were positive and 74,827 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played difficult game, thanks to its 30,023 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
976,181
74,827
30,023
players
2. Geometry Dash
Jump and fly your way through danger in this rhythm-based action platformer! Geometry Dash is a difficult, music and level editor game developed and published by RobTop Games. Released on December 22nd 2014 has received 421,077 reviews of which 393,043 were positive and 28,034 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 24,985 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among difficult games based on player count.
9.3
393,043
28,034
24,985
players
3. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a randomly generated action RPG shooter with heavy Rogue-like elements. Following Isaac on his journey players will find bizarre treasures that change Isaac’s form giving him super human abilities and enabling him to fight off droves of mysterious creatures, discover secrets and fight his way to safety. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a action roguelike, rogue-like and indie game developed by Nicalis, Inc. and Edmund McMillen and published by Nicalis and Inc.. Released on November 04th 2014 has received 341,379 reviews of which 332,206 were positive and 9,173 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 17,313 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among difficult games based on player count.
9.6
332,206
9,173
17,313
players
4. DARK SOULS™ III
Dark Souls continues to push the boundaries with the latest, ambitious chapter in the critically-acclaimed and genre-defining series. Prepare yourself and Embrace The Darkness! DARK SOULS™ III is a souls-like, dark fantasy and difficult game developed by FromSoftware and Inc. and published by FromSoftware, Inc. and Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on April 11th 2016 has received 411,600 reviews of which 388,267 were positive and 23,333 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 6,722 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.3
388,267
23,333
6,722
players
5. DARK SOULS™: REMASTERED
Then, there was fire. Re-experience the critically acclaimed, genre-defining game that started it all. Beautifully remastered, return to Lordran in stunning high-definition detail running at 60fps. DARK SOULS™: REMASTERED is a souls-like, dark fantasy and rpg game developed by QLOC, FromSoftware and Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware and Inc.. Released on May 23rd 2018 has received 126,414 reviews of which 116,466 were positive and 9,948 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 5,106 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.1
116,466
9,948
5,106
players
6. Cuphead
Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game heavily focused on boss battles. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional hand drawn cel animation, watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings. Cuphead is a difficult, cartoon and co-op game developed and published by Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.. Released on September 29th 2017 has received 184,404 reviews of which 177,583 were positive and 6,821 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 3,447 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.5
177,583
6,821
3,447
players
7. Minimalism
Minimalism - platformer with a lot of levels, made in minimalist style - which is a cube protogonist. The game is a kind of labyrinth consisting of levels, to go between them you need to open the doors with collected keys. Minimalism is a indie, casual and action game developed and published by PixelMouse. Released on February 08th 2017 has received 1,741 reviews of which 1,276 were positive and 465 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. With 2,680 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played difficult games.
7.1
1,276
465
2,680
players
8. DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin
DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin brings the franchise’s renowned obscurity & gripping gameplay to a new level. Join the dark journey and experience overwhelming enemy encounters, diabolical hazards, and unrelenting challenge. DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin is a souls-like, dark fantasy and rpg game developed by FromSoftware and Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware and Inc.. Released on April 01st 2015 has received 115,725 reviews of which 97,269 were positive and 18,456 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 2,545 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played difficult games.
8.3
97,269
18,456
2,545
players
9. Noita
Noita is a magical action roguelite set in a world where every pixel is physically simulated. Fight, explore, melt, burn, freeze and evaporate your way through the procedurally generated world using spells you've created yourself. Noita is a physics, rogue-like and pixel graphics game developed and published by Nolla Games. Released on October 15th 2020 has received 77,968 reviews of which 74,271 were positive and 3,697 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 2,453 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.4
74,271
3,697
2,453
players
10. Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition
Game of the Year - The Game Awards 2019 Best Action Game of 2019 - IGN Carve your own clever path to vengeance in the award winning adventure from developer FromSoftware, creators of Bloodborne and the Dark Souls series. Take Revenge. Restore Your Honor. Kill Ingeniously. Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition is a souls-like, difficult and action game developed by FromSoftware and Inc. and published by Activision (Excluding Japan and Asia), 方块游戏 (Asia), FromSoftware and Inc. (Japan). Released on March 21st 2019 has received 320,487 reviews of which 305,414 were positive and 15,073 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 2,157 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.4
305,414
15,073
2,157
players
Best deals on difficult games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of difficult games available on Steam right now, updated on May 17th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted difficult games.
1. Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!
Cook, serve and manage your food truck as you dish out hundreds of different foods across war-torn America in this massive sequel to the million-selling series! Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?! is a typing, management and difficult game developed and published by Vertigo Gaming Inc.. Released on October 14th 2020 has received 2,148 reviews of which 1,955 were positive and 193 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for difficult category.
8.7
1,955
193
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
2. Banners of Ruin
Assemble your party. Answer the call. Win the war. Build a deck and fight a series of turn-based combats with up to 6 party characters through the city of Dawn's Point. Each character can unlock a set of unique cards and abilities that can augment your deck in powerful, exciting ways. Banners of Ruin is a roguelike deckbuilder, rogue-like and card battler game developed by MonteBearo and published by Goblinz Publishing and Maple Whispering Limited. Released on July 29th 2021 has received 3,047 reviews of which 2,413 were positive and 634 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in difficult games.
7.7
2,413
634
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
3. Pathologic 2
Pathologic 2 is a groundbreaking open-world horror RPG. Resist the plague. Make medicine. Heal people. Perform an autopsy. Trade to get what you need. Fight and kill if necessary. Survive. Struggle with an outbreak in a secluded rural town that is rapidly turning into hell. Pathologic 2 is a story rich, atmospheric and choices matter game developed by Ice-Pick Lodge and published by tinyBuild. Released on May 23rd 2019 has received 10,856 reviews of which 9,976 were positive and 880 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in difficult games.
8.9
9,976
880
-93%
34.43€
2.41€
4. Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a blistering hardcore platformer with contrasting worlds. Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a side scroller, difficult and platformer game developed by Black Forest Games and published by Black Forest Games and HandyGames. Released on October 22nd 2012 has received 1,894 reviews of which 1,470 were positive and 424 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.5
1,470
424
-93%
15.71€
1.10€
5. Hot Brass
As an elite SWAT operator, think fast and put your tactics to the test to master a series of missions and save lives. Summon your team of up to four players in online and local co-op, or hone your skills solo. Don’t just be the best—be the best of the best. Hot Brass is a real time tactics, stealth and crime game developed by Walk with Kings and published by Treasure Hunters FanClub. Released on February 26th 2021 has received 646 reviews of which 490 were positive and 156 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.2
490
156
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
6. Toki
The return of the wacky monkey!Toki sets off on a new adventure! The cult action/platform game originally released on arcade machines in 1989 is back with a super-simian new version, featuring all-new hand-drawn graphics and re-orchestrated music! Toki is a adventure, platformer and retro game developed and published by Microids. Released on June 07th 2019 has received 496 reviews of which 429 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for difficult games.
8.1
429
67
-91%
20.67€
1.86€
7. The Textorcist: The Story of Ray Bibbia
Dodge bullets while typing exorcisms at the very same time: Get ready for an electrifying mix between bullet hell and typing game! Turn on both sides of your brain and jump into the adventure of private exorcist Ray Bibbia! The Textorcist: The Story of Ray Bibbia is a indie, action and bullet hell game developed by MorbidWare and published by Headup. Released on February 14th 2019 has received 1,494 reviews of which 1,226 were positive and 268 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.9
1,226
268
-91%
14.33€
1.29€
8. Cook, Serve, Delicious!
One of the few hardcore restaurant sims in existence, Cook, Serve, Delicious! is a deceptively easy game to learn but incredibly challenging to master as you progress through your career from owning a terrible zero star cafe into a five star world famous restaurant. Cook, Serve, Delicious! is a indie, time management and typing game developed and published by Vertigo Gaming Inc.. Released on October 08th 2013 has received 5,615 reviews of which 5,306 were positive and 309 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for difficult games.
9.1
5,306
309
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
9. Slime-san: Superslime Edition
Slime-san was minding his own business when suddenly… A giant worm appeared and gobbled him up! Deep within the worm’s belly, Slime-san has to face a decision: Be digested by the incoming wall of stomach acid... Or jump, slide and slime his way through the worm and back out its mouth! Slime-san: Superslime Edition is a platformer, precision platformer and 2d platformer game developed by Fabraz and published by Headup. Released on April 07th 2017 has received 314 reviews of which 267 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.9
267
47
-90%
14.99€
1.49€
10. 10 Second Ninja X
10 SECOND NINJA X is a hardcore sidescroller. You're a ninja, there are robots, you've got ten seconds to destroy them all. Get three star ratings, climb leaderboards, discover secrets and stop Captain Greatbeard. 10 Second Ninja X is a action, indie and platformer game developed by Four Circle Interactive and published by Curve Games. Released on July 19th 2016 has received 3,179 reviews of which 2,490 were positive and 689 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.6
2,490
689
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
Free difficult games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play difficult games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 17th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play difficult games.
1. Tricking 0
Tricking 0 is a physics-based flipping game that lets you perform tricking combos, parkour lines, and cliff jumps with full control. With an intuitive Flick-It system, seamless transitions, and active ragdoll physics, it delivers the thrill of extreme movement sports, but without risking your neck Tricking 0 is a sports, martial arts and difficult game developed and published by Charles Couprie. Released on March 31st 2022 has received 554 reviews of which 432 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
7.4
432
122
26
players
2. NETHER DUNGEONS
Nether Dungeons is an action-packed dungeon crawler. Battle through procedurally generated dungeons, face relentless enemies, and defeat epic bosses. Customize your hero, wield diverse weapons, and survive intense challenges as you descend into ever-changing, dangerous depths. NETHER DUNGEONS is a action roguelike, dungeon crawler and roguelite game developed and published by Arakuma Studio. Released on November 15th 2024 has received 356 reviews of which 305 were positive and 51 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.0
305
51
14
players
3. Never Split the Party
Never Split the Party is an ultra social rogue-like! You're one of four adventurers joining together to explore a procedurally generated dungeon, amass powerful upgrades, and cooperate with your fellow adventures to conquer and crush the evil dungeon champions! Never Split the Party is a action roguelike, rogue-like and indie game developed and published by Legend Studio. Released on May 03rd 2019 has received 4,340 reviews of which 3,319 were positive and 1,021 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
7.4
3,319
1,021
10
players
4. Micro Platformer
A minimalistic platformer with a 1x1 tileset. No enemies, no bullets, no lasers. Just sheer platforming. Micro Platformer is a precision platformer, difficult and minimalist game developed and published by Daveyyy. Released on April 21st 2020 has received 1,706 reviews of which 1,652 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
9.2
1,652
54
4
players
5. Eraser
Throw your stick-figure-self at cannonballs and airplanes in an upward pursuit of the eraser! Play cooperatively online to share the journey! Who's to say whether the company will help or hinder, though... Eraser is a 3d platformer, difficult and online co-op game developed and published by Ringating. Released on December 15th 2021 has received 3,354 reviews of which 2,801 were positive and 553 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.1
2,801
553
4
players
6. OLDTV
Can you think twice in under a second? OLDTV is a free to play, great soundtrack and fast-paced game developed and published by Creability. Released on July 15th 2017 has received 5,442 reviews of which 5,148 were positive and 294 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
9.1
5,148
294
1
players
7. SCP: Observer
SCP: Observer is a frightening experience in which you'll play the role of a maintenance engineer trapped inside a security room. Survive by managing the emergency power supply, monitoring the facility's camera system for threats and blocking the paths of oncoming horrors. SCP: Observer is a resource management, horror and survival horror game developed by and published by GetMyIsland. Released on April 25th 2023 has received 574 reviews of which 530 were positive and 44 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.6
530
44
1
players
8. Furi Demake - The Chain
Fight your way free in this 8-bit-inspired version of Furi's first boss fight against The Chain. Frantic action, nervous controls, a blend of shoot and sword fight reimagined in 90s style. Only 1 boss fight! A gift to Furi’s fans. Furi Demake - The Chain is a action, adventure and difficult game developed by Sylph and The Game Bakers and published by The Game Bakers. Released on November 30th 2023 has received 345 reviews of which 320 were positive and 25 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.5
320
25
1
players
9. Notanote
Welcome to Notanote！ Notanote is a casual, rhythm and music game developed and published by zzzProject. Released on February 13th 2024 has received 784 reviews of which 690 were positive and 94 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.3
690
94
1
players
10. The Hardest Game Ever
An insanely difficult precision platformer The Hardest Game Ever is a difficult, precision platformer and adventure game developed by Cupflow Studios and AIAdev and published by AIAdev. Released on September 14th 2023 has received 348 reviews of which 273 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
7.4
273
75
1
players